FAQ

You can find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Liquitex Professional Paint Markers below.

Can I replace the nib on my paint marker?

Nibs are easily replaceable in both paint marker sizes. Liquitex offer a pack of 15mm nibs for the wide marker as well as a mixed pack of 2mm bullet and chisel nibs which can both be used in the fine marker.

Can I use Liquitex Professional Paint Markers on fabric?

Liquitex Professional Paint Markers can be applied to fabric, but have not been formulated for optimum handle or laundering.

Can I use Liquitex Professional Paint Markers with my solvent based spray paint?

Providing the spray paint is thoroughly dry, Liquitex Professional Paint Markers can be used with solvent based spray paint.

Do I need to prepare my surface before using Liquitex Professional Paint Markers?

For maximum longevity surfaces should be clean, dust or flake free and suitably primed before applying Liquitex Professional Paint Markers. 

How do I activate a paint marker?

1. Shake well before use to ensure paint is thoroughly mixed.
2. Depress nib a few times to start paint flow.  Please note: The valve remains open and releases paint the entire time the nib is depressed, so if held down for a long period, a large amount of paint is released.
3. When paint appears on the nib pause for a moment. Wait until paint has stopped travelling down the nib before depressing the nib again.
4. Repeat step 3 until nib is adequately saturated, test, and then apply. Re-pump as necessary but never directly on artwork to avoid paint splodges.

How do I clean up Liquitex Professional Paint Markers?

Liquitex Professional Paint Markers can be cleaned up with soap and water when wet, but are fully permanent and durable once dry.

How should I store Liquitex Professional Paint Markers?

Ideally Liquitex Professional Paint Markers should be stored horizontally as this makes re-mixing the colour inside the marker easier between uses. Storing Liquitex Professional Paint Markers vertically with the nib facing down should be avoided; dense pigments will collect at the valve, making it susceptible to clogging and re-agitation more difficult.

How should I varnish Liquitex Professional Paint Markers?

Following application a minimum of 24 hours drying time is required before varnishing. All Liquitex varnishes are suitable for use with Liquitex Professional Paint Markers. Care needs to be taken when varnishing fluorescent colours as they are more susceptible to bleeding; for best results Water-based Spray Varnish is recommended.  

If Liquitex Professional Paint Markers are water-based then does it wash away?

When wet, Liquitex Professional Paint Markers can be cleaned up with water and is easily removable from hands and skin. When dry, Liquitex Professional Paint Markers are permanent, durable and weatherproof.

What coverage can I achieve with a Liquitex Professional Paint Marker?

Coverage is comparable to other paint marker brands. Coverage of 0.5 m² can be expected from the fine marker and 2.5 m² from the wide marker.

What do I do if I get spray paint or acrylic paint on my nib?

If the paint is wet, rinse out with water. If the paint is completely dry it is recommended that the nib is replaced.

What is flooding and why does it occur?

Flooding is commonly experienced with all paint markers; it occurs when the nib is over-depressed, releasing too much paint for the nib to absorb. This results in paint collecting in the nib housing which, once filled to capacity, will over-flow around the nib.  Until the housing is cleared, paint will continue to flow out of the marker housing.  To clear, simply wipe off any excess paint and the paint marker will be fine to use again. Note: do not depress the nib again.

What is the advantage of using a water-based paint marker over solvent based paint markers?

Unlike solvent based paint markers, Liquitex Professional Paint Markers are low odour and can be cleaned up with soap and water when wet. The water-based nature of the product means that Liquitex Professional Paint Markers are fully compatible with other Liquitex products and can be used confidently on top or underneath other Spray Paint, Heavy Body or Soft Body.

What is the benefit of using artist grade pigments?

Liquitex Professional Paint Markers use only the highest artist grade pigments to ensure the most brilliant lightfast colours possible. The opacity levels is a direct result of the inherent qualities of individual pigments, no fillers are used as this would result in pastel craft colours rather than a fine art palette which matches the Liquitex spectrum.

What is the difference between a dye based marker and a paint based marker?

Unlike Liquitex Professional Paint Markers, dye based markers are not lightfast and colours will fade over time. Dye-based markers are prone to bleeding; Liquitex Paint Markers will not bleed when used with other Liquitex products including acrylics, spray paint and varnish.

What is the finish of the Liquitex Professional Paint Markers?

Liquitex Professional Paint Markers are formulated to a satin finish. 

What should I do if the nib has dried out?

Paint Marker caps should always be replaced immediately after use to prevent the nib drying out. Often paint will flow through the nib again simply by reactivating the nib a few times. In the event that the nib has completely dried out, replacement nibs can be purchased.

What surfaces can Liquitex Professional Paint Markers be used on?

Liquitex Professional Paint Markers can be used on a variety of surfaces including canvas, masonry, glass, wood and metal.

Where can I use Liquitex Professional Paint Markers?

Liquitex Professional Paint Markers are suitable for both interior and exterior applications.

Will Liquitex Professional Paint Markers crack over time?

Liquitex Professional Paint Markers use a flexible acrylic binder; this ensures that cracking will not occur when used in accordance with usage instructions.

Can I use Liquitex Professional Paint Markers with oil paint?

Providing Liquitex Professional Paint Markers are fully dried, they can be used in thin layers underneath oil paint.